RCB sets 202 target for Mumbai in Dubai; Devdutt Padikkal scores second fifty in three matches
Dubai: Royal Challengers Bengaluru rode upon useful knocks from prodigy Devdutt Paddikal and Mr. 360 AB DE Villiers to set a defendable target of 202 for Mumbai Indians on Monday.
Batting first, RCB got off to a flying start with Aaron Finch playing a quick-fire knock of 52 runs off 35 deliveries. The knock was followed by another half-century by his opening partner and RCB’s new sensation Devdutt Paddikal who scored a handy 54 off 40 deliveries before ABD and Shivam Dubey took up the death overs scoring job.
ABD came in and dominated the MI bowlers with some clean hitting as he scored 55 off 24 deliveries. Shivam Dubey supported ABD with a handy cameo of 27 runs from 10 balls.
For MI bowling Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah and Krunal Pandya picked up one wicket each.
Mumbai Indians are now set a target of 202 to be chased in 20 overs.
The match is being played at Dubai International Stadium.
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RCB to play five IPL 2026 home matches in Bengaluru, two in Raipur
Bengaluru (PTI): Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play five of their home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here and the remaining two fixtures at Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in the upcoming IPL, the franchise said on Tuesday.
The announcement ended doubts about whether the IPL 2025 winners would be able to play at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, following the stampede that killed 11 fans after RCB's maiden title win.
Since that tragic indecent, the venue has not hosted any major domestic matches including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy or even the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20.
"This significant development comes after months of hard work and close coordination across all concerned authorities with a common goal of bringing the games back to home ground for the fans," RCB said in a release.
"RCB extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Karnataka Police for their unwavering guidance, cooperation and support in facilitating the hosting of matches in Bengaluru."
"The collective efforts to ramp up infrastructure and safety measures in time for the IPL season have ensured that the defending champions will play the majority of their home games in their home ground," the franchise added.
The franchise said that the two "home matches" in Raipur will be as "per prior commitment."
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said the fans deserve to watch their team compete at home.
"The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive," he said.
"The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players, inspiring them through every phase of the game. Our fans have stood by us unconditionally, and they deserve the opportunity to watch their team compete at home."
"After detailed discussions and completing the necessary due process around permissions, we are pleased to confirm that RCB will play five matches in Bengaluru. We sincerely thank the Government of Karnataka, the KSCA, and the Karnataka Police for their support in making this possible," Menon added.
